For the purpose of definition, everyone who works for STARS is identified as either ‘paid employees’ or ‘volunteers’. Although it is clear that the Trustees of the charity are also volunteers, for ease of clarity within this document they will be referred to separately.

The Trustees of STARS support the use of volunteers and through its officers will ensure that:

Volunteers

• Are properly integrated into the organisational structure enabling them to contribute effectively to its work
• Will not be used to replace and reduce the work of paid employees

Paid employees

• At all levels, will work positively with volunteers
• Will, where possible, provide work for volunteers that is satisfying.
• Those paid employees involved will seek to help volunteers meet these needs, as well as providing access to relevant training for them to carry out their work effectively.

Equal Opportunities

STARS operates an Equal Opportunities policy in respect of paid employees and volunteers. All are expected to have an understanding of, and commitment to this policy. A copy of this document is available from the
STARS office for all volunteers and paid employees.

Role of the Volunteer

Volunteers are people who work to help STARS to achieve their objectives for no financial reward. STARS believes that volunteers are vital to the function of both organisations. Volunteers, paid employees and the Trustees work in partnership to help STARS achieve its objectives.

On-going Support

STARS will ensure that volunteers are supported in their work and provide training if necessary. The charity’s Volunteer Co-ordinator will assist in this area and will always be available to discuss any developments, concerns, ideas etc. Paid employees from the charity will endeavour to attend local volunteer events when possible.

Expectations and Responsibilities

The Trustees of STARS expect its volunteers to be realistic in their commitment. Volunteers are expected to give as much or as little time as they consider appropriate to them and as agreed by the charity. Once the commitment has been made, STARS expects volunteers to fulfil this unless otherwise negotiated.

STARS will ensure that volunteers have the opportunity to express their views via volunteer meetings, email/telephone contact (at any time) and annual individual reviews.

Recruitment and Selection

The Trustees of STARS believe that volunteering should be open to all and welcomes applications from anyone who wishes to volunteer. However, it is important that correct procedures are followed and that volunteers should complete an application form and provide two references, in line with the expectations of paid employees.

Confidentiality

Volunteers will be bound by the same requirements for confidentiality as paid employees. Volunteers and paid employees will be asked to read and sign our Confidentiality Contract of which a copy will be provided.

Insurance

The Charity’s Employers, Public & Products Liability Insurance includes volunteers and employees whilst on the premises or working on behalf of the Charity in respect of Legal Liability. Therefore, volunteers and employees of STARS are covered whilst acting for or on behalf of the organisation. However, before any claim can be settled, the organisation has to be found guilty (legally liable) for any incident/accident that has occurred as a result of a volunteer or employee’s actions